Polaris replaced its original RZR 800 and RZR S 800 for model year 2015 with the new Polaris RZR 900 and RZR S 900. Both models used a 75-horsepower ProStar 900 engine and introduced a more modern chassis, improved suspension, faster steering and ergonomics influenced by the RZR XP 1000.
The 50-inch RZR 900 targeted width-restricted trails, while the 60-inch RZR S 900 provided more suspension travel and stability for wider trails and open terrain. Polaris also offered a premium 55-inch RZR 900 XC Edition that bridged the gap between the two.
The three machines were central additions to the broader 2015 Polaris side-by-side lineup.
The 2015 Polaris RZR 900 family included 50-, 55- and 60-inch-wide configurations.
Why Polaris Replaced the RZR 800
The original Polaris RZR 800 helped establish the recreational side-by-side category when it arrived for model year 2008. Its compact chassis, bucket seats and trail-friendly dimensions separated it from the work-oriented utility UTVs common at the time.
By 2014, however, Polaris’ newer ProStar-powered RZR models provided considerably more power and more sophisticated chassis designs. For 2015, Polaris applied that technology to the trail segment and retired the original 800-class platform.
The new RZR 900 and RZR S 900 retained the compact, agile character of their predecessors while offering more power, stronger transmissions, increased comfort and improved accessory integration.
2015 RZR 900 Family at a Glance
| Model | Width | Horsepower | Front Travel | Rear Travel | Ground Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RZR 900 | 50 inches | 75 hp | 10 inches | 10 inches | 11 inches |
| RZR 900 XC Edition | 55 inches | 75 hp | 12.25 inches | 13.2 inches | 12.5 inches |
| RZR S 900 | 60 inches | 75 hp | 12.25 inches | 13.2 inches | 12.5 inches |
75-Horsepower ProStar 900 Engine
All three models used a 75-horsepower ProStar 900 engine. Polaris said the new powerplant produced more than 40 percent more horsepower and 15 percent more torque than the RZR 800 engines it replaced.
The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine was paired with a transmission derived from the higher-performance RZR XP family. Polaris geared the transmission to make effective use of the ProStar 900’s added output.
The combination provided stronger acceleration and a better power-to-weight ratio than the previous RZR 800 and RZR S 800 models.
2015 Polaris RZR 900: 50-Inch Trail Model
The 2015 Polaris RZR 900 was designed for trails restricted to vehicles no wider than 50 inches. Its compact footprint preserved the original RZR’s ability to navigate narrow wooded routes, switchbacks and designated ATV-width trail systems.
Dual A-arm front and rear suspension provided 10 inches of travel at both ends. Ground clearance measured 11 inches, while 26-inch Polaris PXT tires supplied traction.
Polaris maximized track width within the 50-inch overall-width limit to improve stability and cornering. A 79-inch wheelbase helped the machine remain responsive without making it excessively long for tight trails.
At 50 inches wide, the 2015 RZR 900 was designed for restricted-width trails.
RZR 900 Trail Edition
The RZR 900 Trail Edition added several premium drivetrain and handling features:
- Electronic Power Steering
- Engine Braking System
- Turf Mode
- High-Performance On-Demand All-Wheel Drive
Polaris offered the standard RZR 900 in White Lightning and Polaris Pursuit Camo. The EPS-equipped Trail Edition was available in Black Pearl and Sunset Red.
2015 Polaris RZR S 900: 60-Inch Performance
The 2015 Polaris RZR S 900 used a 60-inch-wide stance for greater stability on wider trails and in open terrain.
Its dual A-arm suspension provided 12.25 inches of front travel and 13.2 inches at the rear. Ground clearance increased to 12.5 inches.
Polaris equipped the RZR S 900 with eight-ply, 27-inch GBC Dirt Commander tires. The tires featured stiff sidewalls and a tread design intended to improve cornering, tracking and durability across mixed terrain.
The 60-inch width and 79-inch wheelbase created a broader, more stable footprint than the trail-width RZR 900 without moving into the 64-inch class occupied by the RZR XP 1000.
The 60-inch RZR S 900 offered more suspension travel and stability for wider trails.
The base RZR S 900 was offered in White Lightning. EPS configurations were available in Havasu Red Pearl, Black Pearl and Titanium Matte Metallic.
2015 Polaris RZR 900 XC Edition
The 55-inch-wide RZR 900 XC Edition occupied the space between the RZR 900 and RZR S 900. It targeted riders who wanted greater suspension capability and stability than the 50-inch machine but did not require a full 60-inch width.
Standard XC Edition equipment included:
- Electronic Power Steering
- Engine Braking System
- Turf Mode
- High-Performance On-Demand All-Wheel Drive
- FOX Performance Series 2.0 Podium X shocks
- 27-inch GBC Dirt Commander tires
- 14-inch Vader wheels
- Wide fender flares
- Bowed doors
- LED headlights
- Interactive Digital Display
- 12.5 inches of ground clearance
The RZR 900 XC Edition was offered in Stealth Black.
The 55-inch RZR 900 XC Edition added FOX shocks, 27-inch tires and Polaris’ Interactive Digital Display.
High-Performance On-Demand AWD
All RZR models used Polaris’ On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive system, but the EPS and RZR 900 Trail configurations received a High-Performance version designed to keep the front wheels engaged longer.
When the rear tires lost traction, the system automatically sent power to the front wheels. The extended engagement was intended to maximize forward drive through loose or changing terrain.
Once additional front-wheel traction was no longer necessary, the system returned the vehicle to two-wheel drive.
Faster Steering and Revised Chassis
Both the RZR 900 and RZR S 900 used a two-turn, lock-to-lock steering ratio. Polaris claimed steering response was 20 percent faster than on the previous 800-class machines.
The quicker ratio reduced the amount of steering-wheel movement required to navigate switchbacks and tight corners. It also allowed drivers to keep their hands in a more consistent position while maneuvering around trail obstacles.
An ultra-rigid tubular chassis provided increased stiffness and durability while supporting the newly designed suspension systems.
XP 1000-Inspired Ergonomics
Polaris borrowed several cockpit ideas from the RZR XP 1000. The newly designed seats incorporated stronger bolstering and twice as much hip cushioning for greater support.
A thin-film material underneath the seat covering was intended to keep the seating surface drier in wet conditions. Limited Edition models also received a tool-free driver’s seat slider.
Other interior changes included:
- Additional legroom
- Driver and passenger dead pedals
- A stiffer steering wheel
- Factory-installed quarter doors
- Flow-through seat-belt tongues
- Sealed seat-belt retractor housings
- LED floor lighting
- Blue-backlit instrumentation
- Larger center storage compartment
- Revised glove box and latch
- Deeper rear cargo box
Both models carried 9.5 gallons of fuel, increasing their range for longer trail rides.
Easier Cleaning and Maintenance
Sealed floor seams and equipment pass-throughs helped reduce the amount of mud and water entering the cockpit. Dual removable floor drains made the interior easier to wash out.
Polaris also reorganized several routine service points. The air filter, spark plugs and engine-oil fill were accessible through a removable panel in the cargo box.
A second panel between the seats provided access to the dipstick and oil filter without requiring seat removal. The integrated transmission used a single check-and-fill point.
Grease fittings were installed for both the inboard and outboard A-arm bushings. These changes simplified maintenance compared with the older RZR 800 platform.
Accessory Integration
The 2015 RZR 900 family incorporated dedicated accessory mounting locations and concealed wire-routing areas within the cab frame. A terminal block under the hood simplified the installation of electrical accessories.
The electrical system included a 44-amp-hour battery rated at 575 cold-cranking amps. This additional capacity supported lighting, winches and other trail equipment.
Polaris offered more than 130 compatible accessories. Lock & Ride expanding anchors allowed bumpers, rock sliders and other components to attach to designated chassis mounting points.
Compatible windshields, roofs, rear panels and doors were designed to work together as a coordinated cab system.
RZR 900 vs. RZR S 900
The central difference was width and the type of trail each model was intended to handle.
- Choose the RZR 900 for 50-inch trail access, compact dimensions and tight wooded terrain.
- Choose the RZR 900 XC Edition for premium suspension and equipment in a 55-inch package.
- Choose the RZR S 900 for increased stability and suspension travel on wider trails and open terrain.
All three delivered the same 75-horsepower ProStar 900 engine, so choosing between them primarily came down to trail restrictions, suspension requirements and equipment level.
Why the 2015 RZR 900 Family Matters
The RZR 900 and RZR S 900 marked the end of the original RZR 800 generation. They brought Polaris’ trail models into the ProStar era while retaining the compact dimensions that made the original RZR successful.
The 50-, 55- and 60-inch configurations also demonstrated Polaris’ strategy of tailoring machines to different trail systems instead of offering one sport UTV for every environment.
These models represent an important transition in the history of the Polaris RZR: the original trail-width concept remained, but nearly every major mechanical and ergonomic system was modernized.
